Leh Palaceleh
A 17th Century Marvel
Overview
Also known as 'Lhachen Palkhar', this erstwhile royal palace is famous for its magnificent Tibetan architecture and offers an insight into the local Buddhist culture.
What To Expect?
A massive nine-story dun-colored structure inspired by the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Expect to see ancient royal chambers, an in-house museum featuring royal jewelry and ceremonial dresses, and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Leh town, the Indus Valley, and the snow-capped Stok Kangri range from the palace roof.
Tips
- Ensure you are fully acclimatized to Leh's altitude (11,500 ft) before attempting the uphill walk to the palace.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the floors and stairs inside the palace are made of uneven stone and wood.
- Carry a bottle of water, as the climb can be dehydrating at high altitudes.
- Visit during the late afternoon to catch the sunset, when the town of Leh is bathed in golden light.
- Maintain silence and respect the heritage of the site, which is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Exploring Leh Palace
More About Leh Palace
Leh Palace was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal and served as the residence of the royal family until they were forced to move to Stok Palace in the mid-19th century. Built with stones, mud bricks, and poplar wood, the palace has survived for centuries despite the harsh Himalayan climate.
The palace museum houses a rich collection of 450-year-old 'thangkas' (Buddhist paintings), royal crowns, and copper utensils. The upper floors provide an architectural insight into how the royal family lived, while the roof remains the most popular spot for tourists to capture the dramatic contrast between the desert mountains and the green town below.
Exploring a destination...
The joy of travel comes in exploring new things. Planting your feet somewhere you’ve never been before brings with it the rush of discovery and the joy of pushing back on the boundaries of your world.
Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour’s are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren’t just “local” tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too.
Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn’t normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn’t get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what’s going on locally.
How to reach Leh Palace
The palace is located on a hill above the main Leh town. It is easily reachable by a short 5-10 minute taxi ride from the Leh Main Bazaar or by a moderately steep 15-minute uphill walk for those who are well-acclimatized.
Tips for Visiting Leh Palace, leh
- Ensure you are fully acclimatized to Leh's altitude (11,500 ft) before attempting the uphill walk to the palace.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the floors and stairs inside the palace are made of uneven stone and wood.
- Carry a bottle of water, as the climb can be dehydrating at high altitudes.
- Visit during the late afternoon to catch the sunset, when the town of Leh is bathed in golden light.
- Maintain silence and respect the heritage of the site, which is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
